Tips to format your article-2
Now that you know how to make your article readable and tidy for your audience, why not use it to enhance your article? Here are some quick tips on how to use some slightly more advanced tools to format your article to perfection.
Templates – If you’re working on an assignment with a group and your document is to form part of another set, do ensure that you stick to standard guidelines if any. Avoid any out of the ordinary formatting like outlines and borders as that will only make it more difficult for the person collating the material.
Bullet points – Use them if you have long lists and want to organize/present your thoughts clearly.
Tables/Images – These can be used to explain in a flash what it may take you 2 or 3 long paragraphs to explain, so try and use these where possible for longer articles. It is also a great way to present data and ensure it isn’t lost in reams of text.
Continuity of thought – Once you have finished your article, read through it to see if it flows well. Did you expect to get information on one thing and get something else instead? Were you left a little confused about the theme of the article at the end? Then you may need to reorganize.
Borders and Shading – If you are working independently on your article and it does not need to go through an intermediate formatting before reaching your client or reader, then use these tools with discretion. Adding a very ornate border and shading can take away from the essence of your article, so use these with caution.
Highlighting – Avoid this at all costs. Unless you wish to draw attention to a section you may want changed or rewritten, do not use highlights. Just as you wouldn’t send a highlighted manuscript offline to a publishing house, online too a highlighter has the same role to play – so don’t use it!
Colors – While the use of color can enhance the quality of your article, putting in too many colors may only distract the reader. Choosing 2 shades of the same color works well. Avoid putting in too many colors on tables too. Images with color work fine though.
Numbers – Try and be consistent in the usage of numbers – don’t switch from spelling out the number ‘twenty’ to referring to it as ‘20’ later.
Margin – The default setting on margins on word documents usually works quite well, but you can change it if you are presenting data or tables that run wide and stick out beyond the margin. This works well if combined with a change in page setup from portrait view to landscape. Sometimes, margins don’t need to be adjusted at all and simply changing the view will help. A good margin to keep on documents is as follows: 1 inch from the top and bottom and about 1 to 1.25 inches for the left and right margins. Remember; keep the same margins for left-right and top-bottom or else your article will appear too far aligned to the left or right/top or bottom instead of centered on the page.
Word Limits – While not technically an aspect of formatting, the world limit can impact the overall feel of your article. Format keeping in mind whether your article is a long 20 page article or a short 200 word piece. Depending on the length, your article may require sub headings, paragraphing and line spacing. A short article may require just a main heading and good line spacing.
Overall, just be consistent. Your article has been written by you. It shouldn’t seem like a collection of writings by different writers assembled by you! Remember – just 1 minute spent formatting could win you that contract!
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